What Are Career Pathways?

Career Pathways is series of programs and services designed to prepare high school students and adults for employment and advancement in targeted occupations.

Career Pathway programs may include:

Certificates of completion that help students qualify for entry-level jobs while they continue to work on their degree.

Visual road maps, which include entry points, coursework, competencies, credentials, and labor market information, that help students plan their pathways to employment and job advancement. Career Pathways road maps are denoted by the logo on a number of Career & Technical program pages.

A Career Pathway is a series of education and training programs and support services that enable individuals to secure a job or advance in a specific industry or career.

Career Pathways eases the transition from high school to community college; from pre-college courses to credit post-secondary programs; and from community college to university or employment.

The Career Pathways initiative is transforming Oregon's community colleges to help Oregonians earn certificates and degrees that lead to high-demand occupations and higher wages. Oregon's community colleges are changing curriculum and providing alternative delivery methods and greater flexibility to address employer and student needs.

Oregonians can get on the fast track to higher learning and earning with Career Pathways.

Faster attainment of skills and pay in high-demand occupations

Expedited professional and technical certificates and degrees

The goal is to increase the number of students earning certificates and credentials by providing flexible schedules and student support to increase access, persistence, and success.

Career & Technical Education

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and one-year certificate programs prepare students for entry into the work force in specific areas. There are also short-term pathway certificates available in many CTE programs. Because of its emphasis on application, this educational offering is meant to help individuals to become qualified for employment.